Interview: Andrew from The Fashion Show

Today, SeenON! sat down to chat with designer Andrew Christian from The Fashion Show. In last night’s elimination, the judges just weren’t buying Andrew’s shoe challenge runway piece - but he’s not going to let that stop him! Andrew, better known as the “Panty-Christ”, already has a successful underwear line under his belt and stays optimistic about a bright future in fashion.

SO!: This is the first week we see the designers break out of their groups as Isaac Mizrahi announces that “from here on out [the designers] will be competing as individuals.” What did you like and not like about how the competition changed?

AC: I liked being on my own and not having to compromise my design for the other contestants. What I didn’t like is the cattiness that came out in people once they were working by themselves!

SO!: Throughout the episode and again in the judges’ deliberation, you are attacked for copying or taking credit for other designers’ ideas and contributions. Do you think this critique played a large role in the judge’s decision to eliminate you?

AC: I’m not sure if that played a large part in their decision to eliminate me, but I do know that the allegations are false. Daniella and I were in the same group in the previous episode, so I’m not sure why she would say those things. I think she was just mad that her design was not in the top two.

SO!: If you could go back and rework your design for this week’s challenge, what would you do differently?

AC: I would not rework my design – I think it is very sellable. If I were to change something about it, maybe I would add a splash of color.

SO!: In this week’s episode, we witness the dichotomy of a designer with too much time, Reco, and a designer running short on time, Angel. One parades around and even disrupts the other designers’ work while the other sews up until show time. What do you think is acceptable and unacceptable etiquette and behavior behind the scenes?

AC: I think it was very childish of Reco to disrupt the other designers when he was done with his piece. And as for Angel, working right up until the deadline is not uncommon -we are always working to meet deadlines. Whether you’re shipping or putting together a collection, you always have people waiting on you. And you just have to do what you can to make sure everything gets done.

SO!: In your exit interview on BravoTV.com, you mention that you think Keith should be next to go home. What do you think he needs to do to step up his game and stay in the competition?

AC: His execution needs to get better. Keith’s fabric choices are pretty bland, so he definitely needs to start branching out.

SO!: Reco’s design was praised for being fashion forward while also evading the judges’ expectations for an obvious runway ensemble that fit his chosen shoe. However, Daniella was unimpressed and noted that his design resembled something from “three seasons ago.” Do you agree?

AC: I’m not going to make assumptions about what he was thinking. But he did it in a short amount of time, which was impressive.

SO!: In this week’s critiques, we saw guest judge George Malkmus, Preisdent of Manolo Blahnik USA, butt heads with Isaac Mizrahi. In the world of fashion, is a difference of opinion and perception very common – even among big names?

AC: There is always going to be a difference of opinion. Some buyers like what you’ve made and some won’t. What’s good for one isn’t necessarily good for another. You just have to learn to take the critiques with a grain of salt and put your ego into the design.

SO!: Imagine for a moment that you are a judge for the competition. If you could pick the bottom two for this week, who would they be and why?

AC: Lidia – I couldn’t see anyone wearing this dress. And I would have to say Merlin - his piece was an exact interpretation of his shoe.

SO!: What’s next for you as a designer?

AC: I’m really excited about the bamboo collection of underwear I have coming out – it’s the black line. It’s edgy, but still very wearable. And all of the pieces I sell I wear myself.

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